Windows Insider Dev Channel Moves to New Branch
- Paul Thurrott
- Oct 29, 2020
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Microsoft released a new Windows 10 Insider Preview build to the Dev channel with no new features. But there is one oddity worth noting.
“Starting with today’s build, Windows Insiders will notice that the name of the branch we are releasing builds from has changed to FE_RELEASE,” the firm notes. “Just like we did back in May when we released builds from the MN_RELEASE branch, we are practicing our ability to change which branch flight builds from.”
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Ok, that’s nonsensical. I think what they’re trying to say is that Microsoft is “practicing its ability to change the branch that builds flight from.” Which is still a bit tough grammatically, even when you get past the terrible “flighting” language that Microsoft uses to describe its Windows build process. Microsoft simply testing its ability to change the branch from which builds are delivered. And we’re the guinea pigs!
But I digress.
Because of this change, Insider will notice some undesirable regressions compared to previous Dev channel builds: “Some features like the updated emoji picker, redesigned touch keyboard, voice typing, theme-aware splash screens, and others have been removed temporarily.” Microsoft says it will try to bring back these features “in the future.”
As was the case with Dev channel builds before, builds from the FE_RELEASE branch are not matched to a specific Windows 10 release, Microsoft adds.